Mental illness refers to a wide range of conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behavior. While there are many classified forms of mental illness, the major categories are:
mood disorders (depression or bipolar disorder)
anxiety disorders
personality disorders
psychotic disorders (such as schizophrenia)
eating disorders
trauma-related disorders (post-traumatic stress disorder)
substance abuse disorders
Who does Mental Illness Affect?
According to a National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness and 1 in 20 experience serious mental illness each year. Imagine how many people you walk by everyday, how many kids go to your school (1 in 6 children ages 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year), or the people you work with... you never know who may be experiencing mental illness and you should try to keep in mind the positive impact you can have on someone. Knowing this information, we all should be supportive and understanding to those who struggle with a daily battle within their minds. NAMI also has created infographics that show a multitude of information about mental illness that you can find on their website.
For more information click here.
Who is at Risk?
When learning about mental illness, it is also important that we acknowledge the risks of developing mental illness and what protective measures you can take.
Risks of developing mental illness can be classified into four categories: biophysical, psychological, social, and spiritual. Some of the risk factors include:
family history of mental health problems
traumatic life experiences
being abused or neglected as a child
bullying
discrimination
poverty
perception of insignificance
Some protective factors include:
reliable support and discipline from caregivers
positive self-regard
secure attachment as a child
healthy peer relationships
access to support services
having a set of moral beliefs
The American Mental Wellness Association states:"Mental health problems are complex issues and are never the result of one risk factor. Someone who has several risk factors could have more resiliency towards problems than someone else who experienced less risk factors. It is important to remember that each individual person experiences stress, pain, and risk in different ways."
Find more information here.
Mental Health Resources
For those who struggle, there are many resources available to you to support you on your mental health journey.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
NAMI offers Helpline support M-F, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., ET at (800) 950-6264. They also offer more information about mental illness, access to support groups, and can provide specific information to help you.
Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA)
ADAA provides information on prevention, treatment of anxiety, depression & related disorders, and lists of mental health professionals that you can seek to receive treatment.
Warmlines
Warmlines are phone numbers that puts you into contact with "peers" (generally those who have had their own experiences of trauma that they are willing to speak of and acknowledge) that you can talk to when you need support or just someone to listen.
These following warmlines accept out-of-state callers and you can either call or text them:
NYC Well: (888) 692-9355
NY Family of Woodstock Inc. (can call 24/7): (845) 679-2485
CA NAMI Orange County Warmline: (877) 910-9276
The OC Warmline (can call 24/7): (714) 991-6412
Other Websites
Awareness
With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the awareness for mental health has been on the rise. This outcome has brought those who experience mental illness comfort as well as giving people who have loved ones that struggle a better understanding. Mental health awareness is a key element to de-stigmatizing mental illness and encourages those who struggle to reach out and get help.
This video created by Psych2Go, features six widely believed misconceptions about mental illness. This video may help you or someone you know become more understanding of those who struggle with mental illness and encourage those who are struggling to reach out for support.
Somedays are worse than others, but it’s important to know that you’re not alone. Even when it may feel like you are drowning in a sea of negative thoughts, or lost in a dark forest looking for an escape; remember that you can be tossed a life jacket to keep you afloat, or find a hidden glimmer of light that can help guide you out.
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